scholar spotlight: jonathan mendoza

Back in 1998, fifth-grader Jonathan Mendoza had no inkling that the essay he wrote about becoming a veterinarian would set him on a life-changing journey. But in the 10 years since that composition earned him an O'Melveny Scholarship and helped to underwrite his college dreams, Mendoza has forged close bonds within the Firm that have produced intrinsic benefits for him as well. In turn, O'Melveny lawyers and staff have had the privilege of watching a youngster from the Los Angeles area develop into an impressive young man who represents the finest our community has to offer. "O'Melveny is such a joyful and professional place," says Jonathan, now a 21-year-old college senior and part-time Firm employee. "Because I have had a positive experience here I am dedicated to representing our Firm values to everyone I meet. They've given me so much here that I try to give them everything I've got at all times, especially in school."

At the urging of his teacher at O'Melveny Elementary, then 10-year-old Jonathan submitted his essay to the school's annual college scholarship competition sponsored by its namesake Firm. When the school's principal announced that he had won the award, Jonathan, the youngest of four children whose stepfather is an engineer and whose mother is a day care teacher, says his joy reflected more the excitement of public recognition than the prospect of financial aid for college, or a connection to one of the largest firms in his hometown.

But he began to appreciate the award's broader benefits as an eighth grader, when he met Michael Camuñez, then an O'Melveny associate, who had agreed to serve as his mentor. Camuñez took Jonathan to Dodger Stadium to see his first major league baseball game and has been his frequent advisor and constant role model over the years. "I owe Michael a lot because he has always been very supportive," says Jonathan. "When I have questions I know I can consult him and he'll give me great advice, which is priceless to me. There's one piece of advice I really took to heart. He told me that college was the place to build the foundation for the rest of my life, to learn to solve problems, to train your mind, and to develop the habit of always doing your best. Every time things get rough and I get down, those words keep me from giving up." Says Camuñez, now an O'Melveny partner, "It has been a real privilege to serve as Jonathan's mentor and friend; and it has been a real pleasure to watch him grow from a shy young eighth grader into a confident young man. He exemplifies what is best about the O'Melveny Scholarship Program, and he's a wonderful role model for other students."

Others in the Firm have also played roles in Jonathan's life. After graduating from O'Melveny Elementary, Placerita Junior High, and finally, Hart High School, he enrolled at California State University, Northridge in 2004 and collected the first installment of his four-year, annually renewable O'Melveny Scholarship. Three years ago, during a Firm scholarship dinner, Jonathan met Partner Gordon Krischer and Elvia Zepeda, a former scholar working part-time as a Human Resources Department Assistant at O'Melveny who was about to resign and enroll in UCLA full-time. Krischer and Zepeda, who has since earned her degree, encouraged Jonathan to apply for her position. By September 2005, the 19-year-old was working part-time in the Department, answering phones and assisting the staff with projects, while juggling a demanding class load at Cal State. Jonathan, who still lives at home with his family, also managed to squeeze in community college classes during summer and winter breaks. Though his career goals—as well as his major—have changed a few times, he is set to graduate on time this spring with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a minor in Economics, and an eye on graduate school. "I'm so thankful for the scholarship because it helped me attain the goal of higher education," he says. "It would have been difficult to pay the tuition and other costs related to college without it. Now I want to continue my education."

Come graduation day, Jonathan's O'Melveny family will share with the Mendoza family a feeling of pride and joy in his accomplishments. "I have very high expectations of Jonathan," says Camuñez. "We are lucky to have him working with us at the Firm, and even luckier to be a small part of his success."